(Albany, GA) -- Veronica Reese enjoys coming to work each morning and greeting her children.

"I enjoy spending time with my children. I spend more time with them than they do with their parents," Reese, the Sherwood Acres Elementary teacher of the year, said. "I think all of my students are happy to come to school, and I know I am happy to see them."

Reese, an educator with 13 years of experience, has spent the last five years as a kindergarten teacher at Sherwood. She is one of eight nominees for the Dougherty County School System's 2012 teacher of the year, who will be named at a banquet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Live Oak Elementary School.

"As a teacher, I have the opportunity to influence students in a positive way, helping them experience education in a positive way." Reese said. "If I influence one child, I influence the entire community."

She said her selection as the school's teacher of the year was a surprise.

"This feels great. It is quite an honor because we have so many great teachers here," Reese said. "It was a real surprise. Any teacher here could have been selected.

Reese holds a B.S. in early childhood education from Paine College and an M.Ed in curriculum instruction from Leslie University. She also holds a Ed.S in administrative supervision from Lincoln Memorial University.

Story Courtesy of The Albany Herald

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